The Design: Truly Wearing Metal Armor
The Redmi Watch 4 has caught my attention among the series of new products recently launched by Redmi. The reason being, it is the first budget smartwatch to sport a metal frame. Intrigued, I couldn’t resist getting one for myself during lunch to see if it truly lives up to its hype as the best affordable smartwatch of the year.
An Apple Watch Illusion
Upon unboxing the Redmi Watch 4, I couldn’t help but notice its striking resemblance to the Apple Watch. The design with the metal shield certainly adds a touch of premium feel to it. Despite my initial likeness towards the design, I have to say that this model is perhaps the most Apple Watch-like smartwatch of 2023.
Learning from Past Mistakes
For those who remember its predecessor, the Redmi Watch 3, you may recall that it tried to pass off as a metallic watch but was plagued with complaints about its cheap plastic frame. However, the Redmi Watch 4 seems to have learned from its past mistakes and has taken a more serious approach by introducing an aluminum frame to its popular line. This is a significant improvement, as the new watch not only feels lightweight but also looks much more premium with its metal build. Compared to the Watch 3, the Watch 4 adds only 10 grams in weight, making it still comfortable to wear. The watch body, without the straps, weighs around 32 grams, which is fairly typical for a smart band.
Attention to Detail
One aspect I appreciate about the Redmi Watch 4 is the attention to detail. The metal surface is coated with a matte finish, which effectively keeps fingerprints at bay. Another nice touch is the new Crown, which is made of stainless steel and features a subtle texture. These little details elevate the overall appeal of the watch and add to its premium feel.
While the Redmi Watch 4 definitely has its strong points, it is important to delve further into its features and functionalities to determine if it truly lives up to its reputation as the best affordable smartwatch of the year.
The Design
When it comes to the design of the Redmi Watch 4, it definitely checks all the boxes. The frame is finely processed, giving it a premium look and feel. The front face is flat with sharp edges, which may raise some concerns. One can’t help but think that these sharp edges are prone to scratches and scarring. However, for a watch that is meant to be worn without worry, this is a slight drawback.
Attention to Detail
One minor issue I’ve encountered with wearing the watch on my left wrist is that sometimes I tie it too tightly. As a result, when I lift my wrist, I accidentally touch the protruding crown. This can be a bit bothersome, but there is a simple solution. Either loosen the watch on your wrist or use a different gesture to wake up the screen. For some, this may be a hidden feature, but for me, it is simply a small inconvenience.
The Straps
The good news is that the Redmi Watch 4 has been upgraded to be compatible with Xiaomi’s quick-release straps. This means that it is much easier to remove and replace the straps. Furthermore, it is also compatible with the straps of other Xiaomi wearables, such as the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Pro. This opens up a world of options when it comes to personalizing the watch with different straps.
The Display
Moving on to the front side of the watch, we can see that it still maintains the square dial design, similar to Apple’s lineup. This design choice has been consistent across Redmi’s watches, and the Redmi Watch 4 is no exception. The display measures a decent 1.97 inches and boasts an AMOLED display with 74.
Impressive Features
The Redmi Watch 4 comes packed with a range of features that make it a desirable smartwatch. It is equipped with a heart rate monitor, blood oxygen level tracker, and sleep tracking capabilities, all of which are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The watch also has built-in GPS, allowing you to accurately track your outdoor activities.
Battery Life
One area where the Redmi Watch 4 truly shines is its battery life. With a 230mAh battery, it can easily last for up to 10 days on a single charge. This is a commendable feat, considering the various features and functions it offers. Whether you’re using it for fitness tracking or as a smartwatch companion, you can rely on its long-lasting battery life.
Display and Operating Experience
The Redmi Watch 4 boasts an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 8, providing a more immersive and informative display. The overall operating experience has also been improved. The display quality remains great, with decent resolution and vivid colors. The auto-adjustable brightness feature allows the display to reach up to 600 nits, ensuring clear visibility even in bright daylight. Another noteworthy feature for outdoor use is the variable refresh rate. The display can run at 60 Hz for a smooth experience, but can also be reduced to 5 Hz with the display off, making it even more power-efficient in AOD mode.
Software and Personalization
One of the main reasons I am excited about the Redmi Watch 4 is the latest Xiaomi Hyper OS that it comes with. This makes it the second Xiaomi wearable to feature Hypos in its lineup. The market offers a wide selection of personalized displays, so you can always find a style that suits you best. The user interface remains neat and clear, with not much difference from its predecessors. Swiping in different directions on the dial page allows you to easily check notifications and access widgets you have preset in the phone’s Mi Fit app. The watch is equipped with a single crown for tapping into the app menu, eliminating the need for shortcut buttons for actions like starting sports activities.
Health Tracking Features
When it comes to health tracking, the Redmi Watch 4 does not disappoint. It offers accurate heart rate monitoring, thanks to an upgraded heart rate sensor. This ensures more precise heart rate records. The watch also supports 24/7 auto tracking, so you can keep tabs on your activities throughout the day. Additionally, it features blood oxygen monitoring, providing valuable insights into your overall well-being.
Strap on the Redmi Watch 4 and enjoy the convenience and functionality that this affordable smartwatch has to offer. With its metal frame and impressive features, it is a great addition to Xiaomi’s lineup of wearables. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or someone who simply values the convenience of smartwatches, the Redmi Watch 4 is sure to meet your expectations.
The Affordable Smartwatch with a Metal Frame
Redmi Watch 4 is the latest addition to the smartwatch market, offering a combination of affordability and functionality. One notable improvement in this model is the introduction of a metal frame, giving it a sleek and stylish appearance.
Comprehensive Health Tracking
The Redmi Watch 4 offers a range of health tracking features that make it a reliable companion for those conscious of their well-being. With the ability to check your blood oxygen levels throughout the day, you can stay informed about your overall health status. Additionally, sleep tracking, stress tracking, female cycle reminders, and breathing training are also available, allowing you to monitor and manage your health more effectively.
Extensive Sports Tracking
For fitness enthusiasts, the Redmi Watch 4 offers an impressive array of sports tracking options. With support for more than 150 sports modes, it covers almost all types of physical activities. Whether you enjoy water sports, outdoor activities, ball sports, or more niche exercises, you’ll find a suitable tracking mode. However, it’s worth noting that sports involving sharp movements, such as basketball and football, are not recommended due to the potential risk of injury to others.
GPS and Waterproofing
The Redmi Watch 4 comes with a built-in independent GNSS chip that supports the main five satellite positioning systems on the planet. This allows it to record the track of outdoor running even without a connected phone. Additionally, with a 5 ATM water resistance rating, the watch is suitable for water sports such as swimming. The 58m waterproofing ensures that you can enjoy your activities without worrying about damaging the device.
Convenient Features
Aside from its health and fitness functionalities, the Redmi Watch 4 also offers some bonus features. NFC is included, which provides convenience for users living in China with offline mobile payments and a full transportation card simulation. This makes it highly useful for daily tasks and transactions.
Impressive Battery Life
The battery life of the Redmi Watch 4 has been significantly improved compared to its predecessor. It can last up to 10 days in typical always-on display (AOD) mode and up to 20 days in typical mode with default factory settings. Although we weren’t able to test the verified battery life, initial usage with auto-tracking and AOD on showed a mere 11% battery drop throughout the day, which is quite impressive.
Design and Build Quality
The Redmi Watch 4 has undergone a significant transformation compared to its predecessor. Now boasting a sleek metal frame, this smartwatch exudes a premium feel that is unexpected at its affordable price point. The metal frame not only adds durability but also enhances the overall aesthetics, making it an appealing accessory for everyday wear. Whether you’re heading to the gym or attending a formal event, the Redmi Watch 4 effortlessly blends into any setting.
Display and User Interface
Sporting a vibrant and crisp display, the Redmi Watch 4 ensures an enjoyable viewing experience. The 1.6-inch color touchscreen provides ample space for navigating through various menus and viewing notifications. The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing for seamless interaction with the watch’s features and functions. However, it is important to note that the user interface is currently only available in Chinese, which may limit its accessibility to non-Chinese speaking users.
Performance and Features
While the Redmi Watch 4 may not offer the extensive range of features found in higher-end smartwatches, it performs admirably in its price range. Equipped with essential fitness tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking, this smartwatch caters to health-conscious individuals. Additionally, it provides a reliable step counter and sedentary reminders to encourage an active lifestyle. However, it is worth mentioning that some features such as the voice assistant and certain scenarios are only available in Chinese, limiting their usefulness to non-Chinese speakers.
Battery Life
The Redmi Watch 4 impresses with its commendable battery life. With its 230mAh battery capacity, it can easily last through a full day of extensive usage and still have power to spare. The energy-efficient components and optimized software allow for prolonged usage, significantly reducing the need for frequent recharging. Whether you’re tracking your fitness goals or simply relying on the smartwatch for notifications, the Redmi Watch 4 ensures that you won’t be left stranded with a dead battery.
The Redmi Watch 4 proves to be an affordable smartwatch that excels in many areas. Its metal frame gives it a premium look, and the quick-release straps add to its versatility. The display is clear and vibrant, making it easy to read notifications and track your fitness goals. Additionally, the watch offers a range of useful features and boasts an impressive battery life. Overall, the Redmi Watch 4 is a great option for those looking for an affordable yet reliable smartwatch.
The Redmi Watch 4 is a highly anticipated smartwatch in the second half of 2023. It offers a combination of affordability, stylish design, and comprehensive tracking features, making it a top contender for the best affordable smartwatch. However, it is worth noting that at the moment, it fails to fully utilize Xiaomi’s Multi-Device Connectivity from the Watch 4, which may limit its potential for seamless integration with other devices.
The Redmi Watch 4 is a budget-friendly smartwatch that offers a stylish design, solid performance, and impressive battery life. The inclusion of a metal frame adds a touch of sophistication, elevating its appeal. While the limited availability of certain features in Chinese may be a drawback for non-Chinese speakers, the overall user experience remains satisfactory. If you are in the market for an affordable smartwatch that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Redmi Watch 4 is undoubtedly a worthy contender.
